Monday, April 16th, 2007  |  4 COMMENTS

The Queen Of Soca Returns To NY

Part one with the soca queen

For the first time in New York since Labor Day 2006, Alison Hinds is back and she gives us her story, in her own words about her journey to success as a solo artist, her amicable break up with Square One and her opinion on taking Soca Music to the next level. True to her profession, Soca Music can prepare for Glory.

OC: Where are you originally from?

Alison: I was born in England, where I spent most of my childhood, then moved to Barbados after my parents separated.

OC: How did you discover a love for Soca Music?

Alison: I developed a love for Soca music while going to school in Barbados. I love the music; I just thought it was exciting. I was unaware at the time, that I would actually be involved with Soca music in such an immense way.

OC: How did you first get started?

Alison: I participated in a local talent competition and was approached by a local Calypsonian, Anderson Armstrong known at that time, as “Young Blood”, he encouraged me to take part in yet another local competition, I surprisingly went all the way to the finals and placed 3rd. Impressed with my vocals he proposed a leading role in his band. This new band he was formulating was called “Square One”. This was always a dream of mine, to join a band from early childhood, elated I said “yes” and I met with the other members. That would set the foundation of a deep rooted family bond and a path to success through teamwork.

OC: Can you tell me a little more about Square One?

Alison: Starting off we did a few gigs at hotels, but we weren’t fully a Soca band, not yet anyway; Soca was at the core of the band. While performing at these hotels we got an opportunity to expand our knowledge of music, we played lots of ballets, instrumentals, reggae, soca; there was no restrictions to our musical aptitude. Eventually we crossed over to the night club circuit, playing covers of whatever songs that were popular at the time, whether it’s was reggae or alternative. That’s when I realized my lyrical versatility, I can chant, I can rap, do reggae, sing alternative and I can sing rock if I wanted too.
The we started recording our own music, on Ice Records, which is Eddie Gram’s record label. Unfortunately, after about two years of working with the label, we were not making substantial growth and progression to where we thought we should be. It was a unanimously decision to leave the label and be independent. Although this move called for us to use our own money, the opportunity to produce avenues of endless possibilities seemed to merit this drastic move.

OC: What song would you say really put you guys on the map?

Alison: “Ragga Muffin”, it was our introductory song. It was an achievement for both me and the band. We won Road March and historically, I was the first woman to win the road March title in Barbados in 1996. The following year, another song was released called “In the Mean Time”, on a winning streak I entered the Party Monarch, a competition for all party music and I won that, again I was the first woman. That same year, I went on competing and won the Road March title. Things were finally falling into place for us and on that note the band started touring; traveling throughout the Caribbean, US, Europe, Brazil and Finland.

OC: There was a time you were no longer touring. What happened?

Alison: After many years of working diligently with the band, I was blessed with motherhood and obviously, I had to come off the road. I had a decision to make, but it was not clear to me until after I had my daughter, whether I would stay in the band or not. I dreaded having to put the band in a situation where I would become somewhat unreliable. They needed me to be able to commit to them fully as I did before and I knew I would not be able to, my responsibility to my daughter is a priority for me.

OC: Is that when you decided to go solo?

Alison: It took a while to make the decision, to go solo, it was hard, but it was a decision that had to be made. Looking back I can appreciate my experiences with Square One. Square One is my extended family; we all encouraged each other to succeed. We still communicate, gladly it was not a bad break up, and there are no grudges or animosity among us.

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4 Responses to “The Queen Of Soca Returns To NY”

• Being found not guilty isnt a declaration of innocence. said June 26th, 2007 at 9:32 am

  Perhaps Hoyer is one of the untouchables.

  My roommate is upset.. she missed her show and is upset. Just saw a trailer for Charlottes Web.

• Petra Johnson said August 1st, 2007 at 11:53 am

  She is truly de queen. When I listen to her songs and when she sang with Square One (Nuff Respect) there is a joy in my heart and I have to dance and sing. Soca is simply wonderful and may God bless her and all the entertainers who bring such happiness to de people. “Ah find meh self in a jouvert band… (Iron Bazodee lyrics) De way she starts of that song is joyful. Thanks for everything you’ve done for soca Allison!!!!

• Jack said August 4th, 2007 at 4:16 pm

  Jack

  Nice Post

• Ring said September 3rd, 2007 at 5:02 am

  Ring

  I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read.

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